➤ Cypher 007, the review of a mobile game about James Bond 🕹

After years, 007 returns to video games with a very interesting mobile adaptation: let's discover this new Cypher 007 exclusively on Apple Arcade.

In one way or another, 007 has always had a difficult relationship with video games, usually limiting himself to the classic the-ins that, at least until a few years ago, represented the inevitable ramifications of the film industry in the video game sector. This, apart from GoldenEye 007, was obviously a true masterpiece, but it remained an isolated and extraordinary case. Therefore, it is with special interest and curiosity that we approach this Cipher Review 007, because the idea of a completely original video game based on the James Bond saga has once again seemed curious, almost bizarre. It is a mobile project, we will say that right away, but that does not mean that it should be underestimated: in fact, it is a game built with great care and endowed with an impressive technical construction.

The fact that it is aApple Arcade exclusive Obviously it somewhat limits the possibility of accessing it, but on the other hand it is an almost mandatory download for all those who have subscribed to the service. In any case, it's certainly another clear sign of how Apple's service continues to invest in interesting ideas: the Arcade catalog increasingly appears as a curated list of disparate genres and very intriguing solutions, in some cases exploiting popular licenses in a way quite unexpected, as we saw recently with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate and as we are seeing again now with 007 Cypher.

This new title is one stealth action with adventure and tactical elements, which puts us in the shoes of the super spy in various infiltration missions. The concept is well brought to the screen and the construction of the levels is pleasant, although the gameplay is not the most fun, but let's examine its features in order.

007 tapa mix

Cypher 007, the review of a mobile game about James Bond — An image of Cypher 007 with the typical isometric shot.

The game is structured as a stealth action with isometric view, in which we directly control the protagonist within various scenarios, trying to complete the set objectives. The choice of view is functional for good control of the scenarios and the interface is clear in terms of the vision cones of the enemies and the objects with which it is possible to interact, while the control system presents certain drawbacks, as be based on the typical "virtual stick" from the touch screen, with strange configurations of controls to be carried out when drawing a firearm. As it is a game that requires precise movements, the integrated solution is not the best and using a controller is still much more comfortable, although this implies a notable limitation in mobile use.

The construction of missions is well faceted, presenting a series of different situations in sequence that keep the level of interest high, but the specific stealth mechanics sometimes show weaknesses: some are typical flaws of the genre, but in general the artificial intelligence is not particularly advanced.

However, this makes Cypher 007 a game probably more suitable for a larger number of users, also compensating a little for possible inaccuracies in the control system without being too punitive.

La the story is original but it is deeply rooted in the 007 universe. The dialogues and twists present references to typical characters of the series, also assuming a certain knowledge of these characteristics, which could disorient the less passionate, but which demonstrates considerable care in the plot construction. narrative part.

Almost a "console" game

All the elements that contribute to the presentation of this Cypher 007 are particularly successful: by choosing to follow a path unrelated to one of the film's chapters, the Tilting Point team has rightly focused on an original characterization, which uses 2D drawings comic style for the dialogues, but a rigorous 3D setting for the representation of the real game. From this point of view, it seems that we are facing a "console" title, in terms of quality level. graphics and animations, even though the type of view chosen is obviously not intended to make the scene spectacular.

The scenarios are very detailed and also present interesting variations and changes of setting, highlighting the lighting effects and the rendering of some materials. These are not details that can be appreciated with great attention, given the shot from above and the fact that the game forces you to concentrate on something else, but the care put into this area is noticeable, especially for a title developed for mobile platforms. The interface is also particularly elegant, pretty and clear, although in terms of ease of use the aforementioned problems arise with the touchscreen control system.

Conclusions

Tested version iPad, iPhone 1.0.2 digital delivery App Store Holygamerz.com 7.5 Readers (3) 8.8 your vote

Cypher 007 may be one of the best 007 video games released in recent years, although the claim doesn't prove much given the dearth of recent titles for the franchise and several disasters that have surfaced previously. It is clearly a minor production, intended for use on mobile devices, but with truly remarkable care in the construction of the levels and in the technical implementation, which demonstrate a planning that has gone far beyond the simple exploitation of a important license. As a stealth game, it can be appreciated by everyone for its not exactly "hardcore" approach, but this involves some compromises in terms of less than excellent artificial intelligence and a control system that is generally uncomfortable in standard use. As an Apple Arcade title, it remains among the biggest games of early fall on the subscription service.